A Penny's Worth of Affection novel Chapter 64

"Mr. Lachlan! What are you doing here?" Penny gazed up at Alasdair in delight as he reached her. She held out both hands in delight, more than pleased to see him. In formal wear, he looked strikingly handsome, a fact that had not gone unnoticed by the female guests who were openly ogling the doctor whilst tittering excitedly behind their elaborate hand fans.

Alasdair grinned, clasping both hands in his large warm ones. "Acting as an escort. My sister found herself in need of a companion for the evening, her husband being unexpectedly called out of town. You look spectacular."

Penny felt her cheeks redden in delight at the compliment. "Why, thank you, kind sir. If my memory serves me well, your sister is Lady Kettering? The Viscountess?"

"Aye, the same one." He confirmed, nodding towards the centre of the room. "She is over there somewhere, I believe. I saw you and came across at once. Are you alone?"

"At the moment, yes." Her father had retired to the billiard room to gamble, while Edward and Jane had disappeared to heaven knew where. Fortunately, Phillip had not yet returned to the ballroom, a fact she was thankful for.

Alasdair smiled and held out his hand in invitation. "Then may I trouble you for a dance?"

Penny gaped at him then shook her head. "I cannot dance, Mr. Lachlan. My leg does not grant me the liberty."

"It is only a waltz. There are hardly any complicated moves involved."

"But I do not know how to waltz."

"Then I will teach you. And-"

"The lady says she does not wish to dance." Phillip seemed to materialize behind her, and Penny groaned aloud. Couldn't the man just leave her alone?

"Your Grace," Alasdair said in acknowledgment.

"Mr. Lachlan." Phillip's tone was icy. He looked down at Penny, who was glaring up at him, her eyes shooting angry green daggers in his direction. "Miss Inglewood."

"We were having a private conversation," Penny informed him. "So it would seem."

"Then please go away. Mr. Lachlan and I would rather carry on our discussion with some measure of privacy."

Alasdair cleared his throat delicately. "Perhaps we can discuss this at another time?"

"No!" Penny's raised tone attracted unwanted attention, and she cursed Phillip for getting under her skin. She rose and faced him in fury. "You will not ruin my evening," she hissed at him in a whisper. "I am tired of your constant interference in my affairs. If you do not have anything else to do except to try your uttermost to make me miserable, please leave me alone."

His eyes flashed in challenge. "No."

She pursed her lips and stared at him for a moment. Then she turned to Alasdair and smiled at him sweetly. "I believe I will dance after all Mr. Lachlan."

"Of course, seeing as you have none to speak of."

"I paid her a compliment, told her she was beautiful, but she said nothing."

"Well, you are not exactly a favourite of hers. You cannot expect her to melt into your arms simply because you paid her a compliment."

Phillip glared at his friend. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Henry shrugged and cast one more look towards Penny. "I wish to see her happy, but it seems as though this Mr. Lachlan can do that."

Phillip grunted a reply and turned to stalk out the room.

"She will not always be available!" Henry called out after his retreating back.

Phillip chose to ignore the remark. He strode out the doors to the garden, his mind working furiously.

***

"Thank you for teaching me to dance." Penny beamed up at Alasdair as he escorted her back to her seat. "That was wonderful."